Former Premier League hardman named Stoke’s new caretaker manager… as Narcis Pelach is sacked after just three months in charge of Championship club

Stoke City have named a former Premier League hardman as their caretaker manager.

The Championship club are on the lookout for a new permanent manager after electing to sack Narcis Pelach following just three months in charge.

Pelach was appointed on September 18 and won just three of his 19 games as he oversaw seven draws and nine defeats. 

The 36-year-old had succeeded Steven Schumacher, who managed the club for 32 games.

Stoke, who are in 19th place in the Championship, return to action on Sunday with a home game against Sunderland.

Under Narcis Stoke had lost five of their last six league games, drawing the other.

Stoke have announced that Ryan Shawcross will be in caretaker charge for the game against Sunderland.

Shawcross, who coaches Stoke’s Under-21 team, will be assisted by Alex Morris, Dean Whitehead and Darren Behcet.

Former defender Shawcross spent the majority of his playing career at Stoke as he made 453 appearances for the club.

In February 2010 he was sent off following a challenge which broke the leg of Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey.

Shawcross was previously placed in caretaker charge of Stoke along with Morris for the Carabao Cup game at home to Fleetwood in September, with his side prevailing on penalties after the game finished 1-1. 

After starting his playing career at Manchester United, Shawcross joined Stoke permanently in January 2008 following a successful loan spell. He remained at the club until 2021 before a short spell with Inter Miami. He was capped once by England at senior level against Sweden in 2012. 

Ex-Stoke defender Ryan Shawcross will take caretaker charge of the team for the second time

Shawcross, who coaches Stoke’s Under-21 team, made 453 appearances for the club

Commenting on the decision to sack Pelach, Stoke sporting director Jonathan Walters told the club’s official website: ‘Narcís is a talented coach with huge potential, he works relentlessly hard and I have no doubt that he will go on to achieve success in the future.

‘However, with the way results and performances have been in recent weeks, we have to accept with hindsight that he has proved not to be the right fit for this club at this time.

‘I take full responsibility for that and I’m absolutely determined that we will now make the right choice to take us forward.

‘Every decision we make is driven by our love of Stoke City and absolute determination to bring success to the Club.’